All About Ali: Talking Menopause, Midlife and Wellness with Ali Daddo
- Catherine Potter
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Alison Daddo has that girl-next-door warmth and a quiet confidence that resonates with any woman finding her way through the winding, messy, often unspoken path of womanhood. It’s this same down-to-earth authenticity she brings to the menopause conversation, one she’s determined to make a little less scary, a lot less lonely, and, dare we say, even empowering.
“I wish more women knew everything about menopause before they hit it,” Ali tells me. “There are so many symptoms that get overlooked. Women often don’t realise what a menopausal sign could be, and so many have stayed silent and suffered alone, thinking they just have to put up with the pain.” She adds, “There is help out there. You’re not alone. And there is a wonderful, full, exciting life on the other side.”
For Ali, menopause has been a gateway to a new chapter of prioritising her health in ways she didn’t before. “Oh my gosh, so much,” she says when I ask how her perspective on wellness has changed. “Before, I wouldn’t go to the doctor unless I was incredibly ill. I’ve paid the price for that, and I’m not willing to overlook my health in any way now. That includes my mental health, especially.”
Ali’s approach to wellness these days is grounded in simple, consistent practices that have become a non-negotiable part of her routine. “I started meditating every morning around December last year, and that alone has helped me so much, especially with my busy mind and the anxiety that pops up now and again.”
She also speaks about her journey with exercise, a relationship that has evolved in recent years. “I finally came to the party with strength training after resisting it for so long, and surprise, surprise, I LOVE it. I never go a week without at least two strength training sessions.”
Motherhood has always been a central part of Ali’s life, and as her children have grown, so has her approach to looking after herself. “My approach has done a total 180,” she says. “I was a young mum, so from an early age, I’ve put their welfare first at all times, as well as my husband, the dogs, friends, family…the list goes on!” Now, with her kids older, Ali describes this chapter as “exciting and liberating.” She says, “Mothering adult children is amazing. They’re the loves of my life, and I’m so proud of how they are as people. Watching them make life decisions on their own is wild.”
Menopause is a chapter of life that deserves to be spoken about openly, with honesty, humour, and support. Ali’s willingness to share her experience, advocate for women’s health, and create spaces for these conversations to happen is a gift to the community.
Like many women, Ali has days when the world feels heavy and she needs a moment to reset. Her remedy is simple but effective. “I put my favourite music on and paint. Helps me every time.” Music weaves through her daily life, and right now, her Spotify is filled with the sounds of Wild Rivers and Sons of The East, a band she describes as “incredible Northern Beaches talent.”
When I ask her what the soundtrack to this chapter of her life would be, she laughs and says, “Probably just meditation music with those gorgeous singing bowls.”
Her connection to the Northern Beaches is evident in the way she speaks about her favourite local spots. “We love the Jah Bar at Dee Why for dinner,” she says, and there’s a smile in her voice when she adds, “The Chaga Chocolate from Girdlers is sensational.”
When she needs to clear her head, you’ll often find her walking around Narrabeen Lake or swimming at North Curl Curl ocean pool, places that offer her space to breathe, think, and reconnect. She even shares a local gem for those looking to give back to their bodies, recommending, “Go get a lymphatic massage at Attma salon in Dee Why, and ask for Kerry. The best!”
If Ali could go back and give her 30-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be this: “I’d tell her all about menopause and to start really taking care of herself - go get the health checks.”
Menopause is a chapter of life that deserves to be spoken about openly, with honesty, humour, and support. Ali’s willingness to share her experience, advocate for women’s health, and create spaces for these conversations to happen is a gift to the community.
Because menopause isn’t the end of something; it’s the beginning of something new. It’s a call to put yourself first, to prioritise your health, and to step into a stage of life with confidence and care. And if Ali’s journey is anything to go by, it can be a time of rediscovery, strength, and, yes, even joy.
On September 5th, she and Cam, together with Prevention Australia and Golf Australia magazines, will host the Men in Menopause charity golf day at Collaroy’s Long Reef Golf Club. The event will raise funds for the Debbie Gaunt Foundation, a charity established by Debbie’s family to educate doctors and families about the mental health impacts of peri-menopause. Debbie tragically lost her life to suicide during her struggle with peri-menopause, and this event is held in her honour. Ali is passionate about ensuring women know they’re not alone - and that real support is available.
"It’s going to be such a fun day,” she says. “There will be so many goodies, prizes, an auction, and take-home gift bags for everyone, as well as breakfast and lunch. Cam and I have the honour of hosting it!”
To find out more about the upcoming Men in Menopause charity golf day on September 5 - proudly supported by Prevention Australia Magazine and Golf Australia Magazine,
you can read about it and grab your ticket here.
You can explore more about Ali’s ongoing work with Aviiana at www.aviiana.com
You can also follow Aviiana on Instagram @aviianaofficial, Facebook @aviianaofficial, and LinkedIn @Aviiana or follow Ali on Insta @alidaddo
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